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George Washington was born in a wealthy farming family in Virginia -
At age 17, he became a government surveyor, someone who determines exact land boundaries between properties, towns, and states -
He joined the colonial militia(volunteer army) -
He was quickly promoted and led a raid on a French army unit in Ohio. He became the trigger of the French-Indian war. -
After he retired from the militia, he joined the Virginia house of burgesses, Virginia's legislature. -
He was elected general and commander-in-chief of the continental army -
A quarter of his troops died at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania from cold, starvation, and diseases, but his strong leadership kept the army together.
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He led his army to its final victory against England at the battle of Yorktown.
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He had overseen the ratification of the bill of rights.(First 10 amendments of the constitution)
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He became the first president of United States in 1789
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He wrote farewell address before he stepped down. He warned Americans that they should collaborate together or the United State lose liberty
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At first, he thought slavery is acceptable
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But his view evolved, he started to think that slavery is wrong
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This might because of his friends Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Both men strongly opposed slavery
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He ordered to set his slavery free after he died, this is because he worried that freeing the slaves too early might tear the united states into pieces.
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George Washington was die in 1799
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Washington’s command led Americans to win the independent war
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He left the office after two terms on his own will. Although he could be re-elected easily, some people even want to make him king.
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He kept the United States together when the government is young.
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He set a lot of precedents, or examples, for the office.